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Ontario seller estimate · CAD

Real Estate Commission Calculator — Canada & US

See commission, 13% HST, seller closing costs and an estimated net amount from your sale—all in one clear breakdown.

Commission rates are negotiable in Ontario.

There is no rate set by law. The amount and services should be written into your agreement with the brokerage.

Enter your sale details

Adjust any figure to update the estimate. Amounts are in Canadian dollars.

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Often described as the buyer’s brokerage.
%
Ontario’s current HST rate. HST is applied to the commission, not the sale price in this estimate.

Optional seller closing costs

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Compare commission scenarios

The same sale price and closing costs are used across all three models. These are planning scenarios, not quotes or market averages.

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5% percentage model

5% total commission, plus 13% HST.

$0

estimated net

Commission
$0
HST
$0
Selling costs
$0

4% percentage model

4% total commission, plus 13% HST.

$0

estimated net

Commission
$0
HST
$0
Difference vs. 5%
$0

Flat listing fee model

Entered flat listing fee + your cooperating brokerage %; HST applies to both.

$0

estimated net

Commission
$0
HST
$0
Difference vs. 5%
$0

A lower fee does not automatically mean a better overall outcome. Compare the included services, marketing plan, local experience, cancellation terms and your expected sale result—not just the rate.

How Ontario real estate commissions work

Your signed agreements determine the fees, services and payment responsibilities for your transaction.

Who pays what?

A seller’s listing agreement normally sets the amount owed to the listing brokerage and may describe an amount offered toward the cooperating brokerage. Buyer representation agreements can also create fee obligations for buyers. RECO advises clients to understand and pay the fees they agreed to.

HST belongs in the budget

This calculator applies Ontario’s 13% HST to the commission amount. For example, a $30,000 commission produces $3,900 of HST, for $33,900 total commission cost.

What to negotiate

  • The commission or fixed fee and when it is earned
  • Photography, staging support, advertising and open houses
  • The term, cancellation rights and any holdover period
  • What is offered toward a buyer’s brokerage, if anything
  • Extra charges, HST and what happens if the property does not sell

Before signing

  • Interview more than one registrant and request a written service plan
  • Ask how the proposed price and marketing strategy were developed
  • Read the representation agreement and get unclear terms explained
  • Verify that the agent is registered with RECO

Discount or flat-fee vs. full service

Both can be valid. The useful comparison is the full package and the likely net outcome.

Discount / flat-feeMay reduce the listing-side fee, but service scope varies. Confirm exactly what is included, what costs extra and whether cooperating brokerage compensation is separate.
Full serviceMay include pricing advice, marketing, showing management, negotiation and closing coordination. Ask for the deliverables in writing rather than assuming.
Partner matching is not yet available.

Use the estimate in three steps

  1. Start with a realistic sale priceUse a recent comparable-market analysis or a range rather than the asking price alone.
  2. Enter the agreement termsSeparate the listing and cooperating brokerage rates so the structure is visible.
  3. Confirm the missing costsAsk your lawyer and lender about legal charges, mortgage payout, discharge fees, penalties and adjustments.

Frequently asked questions

Is real estate commission fixed by law in Ontario?

No. Real estate commissions and contracts are negotiable. Your rate or fee should be agreed with the brokerage and recorded in your representation agreement.

Does HST apply to real estate commission in Ontario?

Yes. This estimator applies Ontario’s 13% HST rate to the commission. It does not apply HST to the home’s sale price.

Does the seller always pay the buyer’s brokerage?

Not automatically. Payment depends on the agreements in the transaction. RECO explains that a buyer is responsible for fees under their buyer representation agreement, while a seller may agree to compensate the buyer for some or all of those brokerage fees.

What does “net proceeds” include here?

It is the sale price less the entered commission, HST, lawyer fees and mortgage discharge fee. It does not subtract the mortgage balance, a mortgage prepayment penalty, property-tax or utility adjustments, repairs, staging, moving costs or other transaction-specific amounts.

Is a flat-fee brokerage always cheaper?

Not necessarily. Confirm whether the fee includes MLS listing, photography, showings, offer negotiation, paperwork and closing support, and whether any cooperating brokerage amount is additional. Compare the complete service and expected net outcome.

Can I use this calculator for a private sale?

You can set either commission percentage to zero to model your own assumptions. A private sale can still involve legal fees, discharge costs, buyer-brokerage arrangements and other closing expenses, so obtain transaction-specific advice.

Sources & further reading

Disclaimer: Estimates only for Canadian or U.S. planning. This calculator is general information, not legal, tax, real estate or financial advice. Actual fees, taxes, closing costs and net proceeds depend on your country, province or state, signed agreements, property, mortgage, transaction adjustments and service providers. Confirm figures with a licensed real estate professional, local lawyer or attorney, lender and tax professional before making decisions.